War and Conflict

Wars have been a part of Iowa's
history since the first inhabitants arrived. Early Indian tribes fought among
themselves. When European explorers and settlers began to arrive in the 1700s
skirmishes took place between the natives and the newcomers. Even wars that
were fought in lands far away affected the people of Iowa.

Many Iowans fought in battles where
they saw death and destruction. During the Civil War battles were fought mostly
in states east and south of Iowa. Although the battles were not fought on
Iowa soil, many Iowans fought in the Civil War. During World War I and World
War II men and women left Iowa and joined the war efforts in Europe, Asia
and Africa. During the 1950s and '60s Iowans fought in the Korean War and
the Vietnam War. And in the 1990s Iowans fought in the Gulf War. In 2005 Iowans
took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the war in Afghanistan.

Many Iowans have fought in dangerous
places during wars. War affects people who stay at home too. The families
of those who are fighting worry about their family members who are in danger.
Sometimes the economy is affected by the wars. Sometimes wars affect the way
people live, play and work.

People don't always agree on the
reasons for wars. During times of war there are often conflicts among people
who want the United States to stay out of the battles and those who want the
country to become involved. Even government leaders don't always agree. This
is true of Iowans as well as other Americans.

Learn about the wars that Iowans
have participated in. Explore how wars have affected the lives of Iowans—both
on the battlefield and at home.